Iliff Authentic Engagement Process Helps Business

Authentic Engagement™ Provides New Tools for Employers

As traditional sources for career opportunities using theological education have slowed, changing generational, racial, social, and personal differences, coupled with the “Great Recession,” have resulted in low levels of employee engagement for many fields. Theological schools are in a unique position to help – with Iliff leading the way. The Authentic Engagement Program™, now available through Iliff, offers a unique approach to increase engagement and productivity in business.

“Theological education has long been an ‘initiator of community,’ so the basics of creating a culture of collaboration is an integral part of the skill set. Iliff has successfully focused on the core elements of a theological education and translated that for the workplace through the Authentic Engagement Program™,” added Albert Hernández, interim president and chief executive officer.

“The workplace is in a time of change for many reasons. Today, it is not uncommon to have employees ages 18-80 from many diverse backgrounds working together,” said Hernández. “With the additional pressures of the recession, erosion of the social contract between employees and employers, and tight job market, many employees are not only dissatisfied and disillusioned with their workplaces, but distrustful of their leadership – resulting in decreased workplace productivity.”

The Authentic Engagement™ (AE) team is made up of Hernández, faculty members, Edward Antonio, dean of diversities, Carrie Doehring, associate professor of pastoral care and counseling, Kelly Aurora, adjunct faculty, Greta Gloven, vice president of marketing communications and strategic partnerships, and outside consultants, Bret Lessman, United Launch Alliance, and John Lathrop, Lathrop & Associates. AE is proving that theological education can provide the business community with the resources for employers to assist their employees in finding meaning in their work in ways that will foster the human spirit and enhance employee engagement.

By leveraging practices that engage, excite, and empower employees, Iliff’s Authentic Engagement Program™ was developed in partnership with Denver’s business community via an advisory council over a two-year period. Funded by Wells Fargo Bank and a local business leader, the program provides impactful training for all levels of organizational leaders. The program has already been tested with members of the South Denver Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Wyoming, Iliff’s Board of Trustees, as well as internally with many Iliff professionals.

Techniques to identify the unique values that drive personal satisfaction and commitment through an examination of The Self.

Skills to develop a true appreciation of The Other by building on differences as key strengths.

Steps to create “interconnected otherness” and the value that a sense of belonging can have in workplace motivation, fulfillment and in the retention of great people.

Engagement strategies and techniques that impact The Whole of the organization as positive forces for the creation of sustainable value.

The connection between the human spirit, motivation, and clarification of personal values is well-documented as being integral to the success of any institution. With more time spent at work rather than home, authentic engagement becomes critical in the workplace.

“Getting employees aligned for a common cause through finding meaning at work is important in increasing the productivity of any business. Authentic Engagement™ not only provides the tools to make that happen, but also provides the pre- and post-assessments to demonstrate it,” commented Hernández. “Iliff students will now be able to take an AE seminar as part of their requirement for a Leadership and Organizational Management Certificate beginning this summer.”